Understanding Bacterial Adhesins

Exploring the molecular mechanisms of microbial adhesion and host-pathogen interactions

What Are Adhesins?

Adhesins are cell-surface proteins or glycoproteins that enable bacteria to adhere to host cells and surfaces. These critical virulence factors play a fundamental role in bacterial colonization and the initiation of infections.

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Molecular Structure

Complex protein structures including fimbriae, pili, and non-fimbrial adhesins that recognize specific host receptors.

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Pathogen Specificity

Different bacterial species express unique adhesins targeting specific tissues and cell types in the host organism.

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Research Applications

Understanding adhesins is crucial for developing anti-adhesion therapies and novel antimicrobial strategies.

Key Research Areas

Type 1 Fimbriae

FimH-mediated adhesion in uropathogenic E. coli and its role in urinary tract infections.

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P Fimbriae

PapG adhesins and their interaction with Gal-Gal receptors in kidney epithelial cells.

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Biofilm Formation

Role of adhesins in initial bacterial attachment and biofilm development on biotic and abiotic surfaces.

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Anti-Adhesion Therapy

Development of compounds that block adhesin-receptor interactions as alternatives to antibiotics.

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Recent Publications

Structural basis of FimH adhesin allosteric regulation

Martinez, J., Chen, L., Rodriguez, M., et al.

Nature Microbiology, 2024

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Novel anti-adhesin compounds targeting UPEC colonization

Thompson, K., Williams, S., Park, H., et al.

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2024

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Adhesin evolution in emerging pathogens: A comparative analysis

Kumar, A., Johnson, R., Lee, C., et al.

Molecular Microbiology, 2024

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Research Resources

Protocols & Methods

Standardized protocols for adhesin purification, characterization, and functional assays.

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Database Access

Curated database of known adhesins, their structures, and host receptor specificities.

Browse Database

Analysis Tools

Bioinformatics tools for adhesin prediction, structure modeling, and interaction analysis.

Use Tools

Educational Materials

Lectures, tutorials, and review articles for students and researchers new to the field.

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